Victims often struggle with deciding if they should keep quiet about their experience or open up and talk about it. When they choose the later it is done so with fear. They worry about judgement from others, or that nobody will believe them. Some have mustered the strength to disclose their abuse but are then pressured by their family and friends to remain silent.Being able to talk openly about the abuse can be very healing. There is a need to connect with other people who understand what they are going through. By remaining quiet, we are giving power to the perpretrator.Everyone has their own comfort level for coping with the abuse. Some may express their feelings through songs, poems, or stories. Some just have the need to talk about it, but struggle to find somebody who is willing to listen. They are not seeking attention or looking for sympathy from others, they simply have a need to release the burden that has been thrust upon them. I have found that people who have not been abused do not understand. They want you to keep quiet because they are not comfortable with accepting what you have to say. These are their insecrutities, and you do not need to justify them. My advice is to surround yourself with people who accept you and are willing to listen to what you have to say. These are the people who will empower you and allow you to heal.

Author

I have the privilege of being able to shape the minds and lives of children who are battling disabilities. It can be very trying at times, but more often than not it is very rewarding. As a mother of a child with a disability, I know the struggles that they go through on a daily basis. This allows me to have a little more compassion for the people that I work with.